Wednesday, May 12, 2010

The Undisputed Queen of Turntables

While most business owners are stuck in their office from 9-5, Leanne Bitner gets to entertain crowds all over Vancouver and sometimes even around North America. A typical day entails hitting up the gym, answering emails, event & wedding client meetings, and prepping for events. Most days she isn’t known as Leanne Bitner – just call her DJ Leanne. She started her own events entertainment company in 2008 called Girl On Wax. Her hectic career gives her opportunities to be part of some amazing events. Last week, she was in Las Vegas hosting xradio.biz and writing back to me!

Leanne turned her overwhelming love for music into her profession. “I was the girl that requested all of the songs that in-turn, annoyed the DJ’s,” Leanne admits. “Why don’t you go buy the track if you love it so much?” DJs would ask. Why not? So, from there, she began her collection of records – vinyl records to be specific.

With about 15 years of experience DJing and entertaining large crowds under her belt, she has mastered the art of turntablism so Girl On Wax came naturally to her. “GOW came out of having access to so much amazing talent. It was only appropriate for her to hand pick the talent. “They are all professional DJs with experience in nightclubs, weddings, and corporate events. Besides skill, they all have fantastic charisma and are excellent in any musical situation.”

Building up a name for her company with all the talent was one of the harder tasks, she admits, “It was not just me as the voice anymore; I had to be a part of making them heard.” Her hard work and passion for music definitely paved ways for the specially chosen group of talented musicians.

The lineup at Girl on Wax not only includes DJs but singers, drummers, saxophonists and more. The tremendous amount of talent under one roof has already caught the attention of celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Goldie Hawn who have used Girl on Wax for their private parties.

The most recent event was spinning for 3 weeks straight during the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. “We had 15 DJs and musicians spinning every single night. It was the best time of our lives. From DJing and playing in the Athletes’ Village and meeting athletes to spinning at BC Hydro’s Club Energy for thousands of people each day,” Leanne proudly tells me.

Girl on Wax has a long resume and that may be because they call themselves DJ Chameleons, spinning whatever styles the events call for. “We don’t discriminate; It’s a ton of fun playing Motown, Top 40 , 80’s and Dance Remixes all in one night!”

Starting her own company was a huge learning process for Leanne. “[I] kept at it, followed my passion and found a way to be unique in the industry.” She also adds “stick to your niche and be kind to every person you come in contact with!”

Right now, you can catch DJ Leanne at Milestones in Yaletown on Fridays and Saturdays, and various Joey’s locations. Soon she’ll be at 560 Club on Fridays from 5pm-10pm and watch out for her at Fleuri at Sutton Place and Society!